Colton is a male given name that originated as an English surname, which in turn derived from a place name meaning "Cola's town." The Old English byname Cola meant "charcoal" and was often given to a person with dark features. The name Colton began to be used as a given name in the 1980s, rising in popularity particularly in the United States. In some cases, it may be seen as an elaborated or full form of Cole or Colt. Etymology and History The surname Colton is locational in origin, coming from various places named Colton in England, such as those in Staffordshire, Norfolk, and Yorkshire. These place names are believed to derive from the Old English elements Cola (a personal name meaning "charcoal") and tūn ("enclosure, settlement"), hence "Cola's town." As a given name, Colton appears to have gained traction in the late 20th century, possibly influenced by the popularity of other two-syllable masculine names ending in "-ton" (like Branton or Dalton). It is frequently considered a variant of Colten and Kolton. Notable Bearers Notable individuals with the given name Colton include: Colton Dixon (born 1991), American singer and finalist on American Idol Colton Haynes (born 1988), American actor known for Arrow and Teen Wolf Colton Herta (born 2000), American racing driver in IndyCar Colton Parayko (born 1993), Canadian professional ice hockey player Colton Underwood (born 1992), American reality TV personality (starred on The Bachelor) Popularity and Cultural Impact According to U.S. Social Security data, Colton entered the top 1000 boy names in the 1980s and peaked in the top 30 during the 2000s and 2010s. It remains a common choice for boys, particularly in English-speaking countries. Key Facts Meaning: "Cola's town" (from Old English) Origin: English (surname and place name) Type: Given name Variants: Colten, Kolton Usage: Primarily English